| Author | Message | ||
| BB (Bb1)
New member Username: Bb1 Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2003 |
Jack, First you need a Linux distribution CD set. You can buy one at a major computer store with a manual for about $30, download it off the net for free, or order CD's from an inexpensive cloner for about $5. I typically use the later option by going to www.cheapbytes.com and buying a set from them. If you look at the cheapbytes website, you'll see there are MANY Linux distributions to choose from. Unlike the Windows world, there is no "official" version of Linux. Instead, Linux is built and distributed more like the PC hardware world: Multiple vendors compete with each other, building their product from common components. Basically, Linux does for the software what the PC did for the hardware! For a distribution I would recommend you try RedHat 9.0 or Mandrake 9.1. RedHat is good for both server and desktop systems, while Mandrake is more geared exclusively for desktops. Another interesting option is Knoppix. It is an entire Linux system on a single bootable CD-ROM. No installation is required! Just boot it up and start using Linux directly off the CD-- no hard drive is required. This is a great way to preview Linux without having to commit to it. (Even a die-hard Windows guy should have this in his CD collection.) http://www.knoppix.org/ Linux should work fine with most hardware and peripherals. Naturally it works with PC hardware, but there are also versions that work with Apple/Mac hardware, mainframes, and other less common stuff. The only real incompatibility issues I've run into is with some analog modems and newer video cards, but these are the exception rather than the rule. One area where Linux does shine is compatibility with older hardware. In the Windows world, manufacturers often drop support for older hardware by refusing to develop drivers for newer versions of Windows. Many of these devices continue to be fully supported in the newest versions of Linux, making Linux a natural candidate when upgrading software on old systems. There is a lot of software available for Linux. Here's some good ones that do common tasks: Web browser: Mozilla Firebird This new browser is now better than IE. Lots of neat features that IE doesn't support, like pop-up blocking, and tabbed browsing. http://www.mozilla.org/ http://www.mozilla.org/products/firebird/why/ Office suite: OpenOffice Can read and write Microsoft Office documents quite well. http://www.openoffice.org/ Email: Sylpheed A lightweight e-mail program with Outlook like interface and excellent IMAP support. http://sylpheed.good-day.net/ Email: Evolution A look and work-a-like version of Outlook for Linux. http://www.ximian.com/products/evolution/screenshots.html Games are a weak area for Linux, but it's not like there are no games available. For example, I have Unreal Tournament 2003 running with full 3D acceleration on my Linux box. One really cool thing is that many Linux distributions include all these programs and many more standard on the CD install set. So after installing you have a complete working system with tons of software already installed! I don't know which version of Unix you tried that felt like a beta version, but the best Linux distributions are far slicker than most commercial Unix systems. Anyway, since this is getting way off topic for FerrariChat, please private me if you have any additional questions. I'd be more than happy to help. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Intermediate Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 1318 Registered: 3-2002 |
BB, how does one go about changing to Linux, and what are the relevant implications (peripherals, software, email, etc.)? We've had NX for almost 2 years, and I've always felt it's nothing more than a glorified Beta version. | ||
| Greg G (Greg_g)
New member Username: Greg_g Post Number: 36 Registered: 7-2003 |
I just washed the Blaster Worm from my machine.... what a PIA. Word to the wise: keep your MS patches up to date. Symantec has the removal tool download on their site. | ||
| Bob Campen (Bob308gts)
Member Username: Bob308gts Post Number: 719 Registered: 9-2001 |
Being a Ferrari owner, I can understand putting up with a somewhat rare temperamental product but for the life of me I can�t accept the fact that people put up with the problems Windows gives them. I use both Mac OS and Windows extensively and find the Mac is easier to use and gives less troubles, the switch to either is seamless, Windows being so much like the Mac OS ( thanks to John S. for giving into Bill G. demands in 85 ). There is no such thing as a trouble free OS, but why make life harder than it could be. putting on flame suit now  | ||
| BB (Bb1)
New member Username: Bb1 Post Number: 4 Registered: 6-2003 |
"Likewise, why learn a new OS when you already know and like Windows?" Several reasons: 1. Most users do not actively "like" Windows. Windows is simply what came with their computer and what they're familar with. I have found many are open to try something else, provided it will still do everything they need and be easy to use. 2. Windows is far more likely to be attacked by a virus. - Windows is the operating system most often targeted by virus authors. By running it, you're making yourself a target. It's like wrapping an American flag around yourself, going into a country that's openly hostle to the U.S., then wondering why you get shot at. It's simply a matter of odds, and in this case the odds are against you. - A default install of Windows has gapping security holes everywhere. By comparison, a default install of RedHat Linux 8 has a firewall that blocks all incoming requests. - Windows is a far more complex system than Linux. The Microsoft philosphy has always been to load everything up with zillions of features and complexity. Security savy developers know that "compexity equals insecurity". You simply cannot adequately review code for correctness in a complex beast. 3. A legal Windows system with all the common software is very expensive. - Windows upgrade license $100 - Linux upgrade $0 - MS Office Pro $600 - OpenOffice $0 - Photoshop $600 - Gimp $0 My basic finding has been that there are not very many good free software packages for Windows. In the Windows world, you must PAY for nearly everything. By comparison, the Linux world has many free software apps that come close to rivaling these expensive commercial apps. For example, OpenOffice even clones Visual Basic! Another thing that should concern anyone planning to stick with Windows for the long term is Microsoft's long term plans to head towards a software rental/lease model. The company has literally run out of customers to sell Windows and Office to, and now upgrades are slowing. The only way to have a consistant revenue stream is to force customers to lease their software. The company has already largely forced big business to lease their software, will consumers be far behind? 4. The Windows to Linux learning curve is not that great. - Most Windows users don't know Windows that well to begin with. They only understand it on a very superficial level. i.e. they know how to run their programs, change printers, etc. But they do not know how to edit the registry or check DLL versions. - Most modern Linux distribution's default desktops already look and behave mostly like Windows. A user wanting to do "the basics" would have no trouble figuring out how to use it. - The recent study I referenced below confirms this belief. - I have personally converted several Windows users to Linux. All of them adjusted to it quite quickly and say they actually "like" Linux. Admittedly, though they did have me as a "free tech support guy" whenever they asked for help. 5. Windows is filled with spyware and is a poor choice for the privacy conscience. Microsoft operating systems have a history of treating your computer as if someone else owns it. Software from both Microsoft as well as third partys routinely sends infomation back to these companies without your knowledge or consent. For example: - Windows XP tells Microsoft what applications are installed on your computer, both Microsoft and third party applications. - The audio file trading software AudioGalaxy would report every web site you visited and report the results to some unknown company. - Software such as Norton AntiVirus will automatically contact the company and then place annoying pop-up ads telling you your virsus software is not upto date and you should subscribe to their service. My father had this happen to him on a new laptop he bought and he found it very unclear how to turn it off-- the manufacturer obviously wants it that way! - Microsoft's own license agreement says they may modify the core Windows software and applications on your computer at anytime without your consent! 6. Windows has forced obsolescence. Microsoft seems to make it a policy of forcing users to upgrade their Windows before they're ready. This is done by denying patches for older versions of Windows and installing patches on newer versions of Windows that add features. These new features are then used by software makers. The end result is always the same: A user wanting to keep an older Windows (say Windows 95) will suddenly be unable to keep his computer secure, and none of the newer programs will run on it. This is not the case with free software such as Linux. Most stuff is backwards compatible, and even when it isn't, the upgrade path is always free. Free software such as Linux is about FREEDOM and being FREE (as in price). The cost is nothing, and you have the freedom to control your computer, rather than be at the mercy of some company. These two reasons put togehter are very compelling for me personally. | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1303 Registered: 1-2003 |
I think that the computer manufacturers are all in on this virus. I spent an hour and a half on the phone today with HP getting my Pavillion fixed because the virus whacked my modem driver. I had to pay $30 for the session! That sucked! | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 713 Registered: 6-2002 |
I use everything under the sun when appropriate, from a PC (definately the bottom though, they go down more often than a giggalo in florida... did I just say that?) to a MAC (laptop, bloody great with OSX, but has it's share of BS too. Maybe 1/5th as much BS as a PC.) all the way to what I still consider the current state of the art in computing. This:  SGI onyx2. 16 processors, 8GB of ram, 2048x1120 res, etcetera. It will playback and edit 2k film in REAL TIME. Bloody amazing machine, and several years old yet. The I/O grows with the machine, configs over 1024 procs currently exist, and many more are possible. Oh yeah, there's a version of Quake III, and Photoshop (old) for it. Kinda cool. (but it's definately an application-specific box, you don't buy an Octane to run Office.) I have SGI server boxes that, barring an office move, have been up for more than *4 YEARS*. http://www.netscreen.com/ the finest firewalls that I am familiar with. Lastly, remenber that no security is ever 100%. The best you can do is convince most of the people to move on to something easier, and get on with your life! | ||
| Kevin Butler (Challenge)
Junior Member Username: Challenge Post Number: 197 Registered: 9-2002 |
Can I use a hardware firewall with dial-up? | ||
| Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Member Username: Mitch_alsup Post Number: 958 Registered: 4-2002 |
"Likewise, why learn a new OS when you already know and like Windows?" Because Linux has the killer edge--source code! Say you are tired of spam but otherwise have a large number of e-mail acquaintances. Get out Mozilla source, hack up a block of code that takes each and every e-mail with anything other than regular ASCII characters, and auto deletes them. Presto no spam! | ||
| Michael Zaic (Mikez_nj)
Junior Member Username: Mikez_nj Post Number: 65 Registered: 12-2002 |
As a Linux user, I understand where you're coming from. However, I don't think people should just say, screw it, I'm sick of virii, so I'm going to use Linux. It's much easier said than done. As a Linux user, you're no doubt familiar with the vi and emacs wars over the years. There's nothing in the world that could sell me on emacs. Why? Because I'm used to and like vi. Sure emacs does basically the same thing, but having to relearn something you already know how to do is a pain in the ass. Likewise, why learn a new OS when you already know and like Windows? In terms of viruses, sure they're more prevalent in Windows, but you need to be very computer-saavy to harden Linux from stray hackers that find your machine. There are a TON of holes that are always popping up. Open source is a blessing and curse in that way. I love Linux, but I personally would never recommend it to someone bred on Windows. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 561 Registered: 4-2003 |
BB, interesting commentary and very eloquently stated. | ||
| BB (Bb1)
New member Username: Bb1 Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2003 |
As someone else already suggested here, a good solution to these problems is to stop using Windows. Microsoft operating systems have a long history of insecurity and virus attacks. They are also the favorite family of operating systems to attack by hackers. Anti-virus software updates and patches from Microsoft are only stopgap measures for a bigger problem that will likely happen again and again. If your main use of a computer is common software uses such as web browsing, e-mail, mp3s, cd-burning, word processing, spreadsheets, photoshop, etc, there is no reason to pay money to use Windows. There is now free software such as Linux that does all of that stuff about as well as Windows, but without cost or the associated virus headaches. If however, you like to go to the store and buy the latest games and software such as "My Family Tree Maker", then you'd be better off staying with Windows for now. In this case, you should at least invest in a cheap hardware-based firewall (about $50) and switch e-mail software to something other than Outlook Express. Doing these two thigns will solve 80% of the problems. Some of you may have tried Linux and or heard Linux is harder to use than Windows. That may have been somewhat true several years ago, but today not any more. Take a look at this study on the issue: http://www.relevantive.de/Linux_e.html Quote: "The usability of Linux as a desktop system has been experience as nearly equal to Windows XP. The performance [time required to complete a task] was in average only a little behind Windows XP. A couple of tasks were even easier and faster to solve on Linux, many applications were rated better by the participants than their equivalents on Windows XP." Computer operating systems and office suites are on their way to becoming a commodity that is approaching $0 to aquire. Increasingly there is little reason to pay money for commercial software that handles common tasks when there is free software that works equally well and is more secure. I can understand willingness to put up with F-car quirks and expenses in return for the rewarding experience of owning such a beast. But putting up with Windows viruses rewards you with nothing more than the Windows experience-- neither a thing of beauty or passion. | ||
| Jeffrey Caspar (Jcaspar1)
Junior Member Username: Jcaspar1 Post Number: 121 Registered: 5-2002 |
Has been no problem for me. In fact I have never had a virus problem despite using no anti-virus software. Must be this "patch" that I use. Good luck to all. Sounds like yet another pain in the @ss.... | ||
| ctk (Ctk)
Junior Member Username: Ctk Post Number: 113 Registered: 7-2001 |
Thanks Everyone!!! The 'heads up' on the virus plus the advice links and discussions on how to solve it, if infected was very timely, friendly and easy to use. I am living in Singapore and communicate with my wife and kids who are studying in England, daily through email. This is an important part of our 'staying in touch' routine. Without this e-link, staying in touch is just that much harder. Great kinship and sharing!!! Thanks again. | ||
| Vince (Manatee)
Member Username: Manatee Post Number: 331 Registered: 6-2002 |
John, interesting comment about non-reg systems not being updated. Maybe MS will get pounded by the emails sent by the worm to the point where they'll stop requiring activation. | ||
| Michael Zaic (Mikez_nj)
Junior Member Username: Mikez_nj Post Number: 61 Registered: 12-2002 |
I downloaded the updates for all the OSs and put them on CD the beginning of this month. It still takes forever though... I use Win2K too - I can't stand XP. | ||
| John_Miles (John_miles)
Junior Member Username: John_miles Post Number: 98 Registered: 7-2001 |
This is going to be a HUGE problem for people with bootleg copies of Windows XP. I know of a lot of college kids who don't always use legitimate software (hell, I know a lot of adults who don't either!), and XP will not update if you don't have a legitimate copy Good point. I didn't think about that, but you're totally right about the risk from unsupported copies of XP. (I still use Win2K myself, not because I'm a warez guy, but because I won't run an OS with any type of product-activation requirement.) It's also interesting to note how amazingly slow Windows Update is lately. Lots of people in full-tilt panic mode right now. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 558 Registered: 4-2003 |
John Miles: Appearantly it is not just the lazy Joe Blow users with Windows XP (Home Version). Look at how many Government (Department of Motor Vehicles) and Universities got hit. It is a slightly larger issue than just Joe Blow who is too lazy to get the updated patch. | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 649 Registered: 10-2001 |
Thanks Mikez. MicroSoft wouldn't say that on their web site and thats what made me mad! They said "we don't support older systems and it could or could not be a problem" What BullSh!t is that? | ||
| Vince (Manatee)
Member Username: Manatee Post Number: 326 Registered: 6-2002 |
Mike, thanks very much for the links | ||
| Michael Zaic (Mikez_nj)
Junior Member Username: Mikez_nj Post Number: 58 Registered: 12-2002 |
This particular virus won't hit Windows 98 machines. It exploits a flaw in 2000 and XP. Edit: You should still be able to update Windows 98 on the web, however. Go to www.microsoft.com, and click on "Windows Update" on the left hand side of your screen. | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 648 Registered: 10-2001 |
I still don't know what to do? Millions of people still use win98 on home computers. I don't want to up-grade. Don't need that much computer power to send an email or surf the web. MicroSoft has no patch for the worm and their web site says they don't suport older systems. Is this something that can hit win98? Anyone know? Am I the only guy with a computer more then 3 years old? | ||
| Michael Zaic (Mikez_nj)
Junior Member Username: Mikez_nj Post Number: 56 Registered: 12-2002 |
John - As for why people don't use Windows Update: 1. The majority of the people out there don't even know it exists. I work as a computer consultant, and as basic maintenance on all the computers that my company supports, we always run the updates. If we didn't, it would NEVER be done. The problem we ran into with this virus was that a lot of our regular customers don't have maintenance contracts, and none of them update on a regular basis. Since we had an idea that this was coming, we patched most of the systems last week. A couple of people didn't want us to come out, and they got hit with it. People have a "if it's not broke, don't fix it" attitude with computers. 2. This is going to be a HUGE problem for people with bootleg copies of Windows XP. I know of a lot of college kids who don't always use legitimate software (hell, I know a lot of adults who don't either!), and XP will not update if you don't have a legitimate copy. 3. XP takes FOOOOOREVER to update. Seriously, it takes probably 3-4 times longer to run a patch on an XP machine than a Win2K machine. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 593 Registered: 10-2002 |
Thanks for the warning. Does a firewall (like Norton) help? | ||
| Faisal Khan (Tvrfreak)
Member Username: Tvrfreak Post Number: 802 Registered: 3-2003 |
Mark, superb post. Thanks. | ||
| John_Miles (John_miles)
Junior Member Username: John_miles Post Number: 97 Registered: 7-2001 |
Honestly, is there a reason why people don't use http://www.windowsupdate.com? There is NO excuse for ANYONE running ANY version of Windows to be victimized by a known exploit such as this one. In this case, MS released the required patch several weeks ago. And the attack, when it came, didn't exactly happen without warning. If you are running a computer with a broadband Internet connection, you have a responsibility to the rest of the Net to keep it up to date with security patches from your OS vendor of choice. Can't deal with that? Pull the cable, then, or like Barney says, get a Mac. (Which will conveniently eliminate 99% of your applications along with 99% of your bugs. ) | ||
| Mario B (Lawwdog)
Junior Member Username: Lawwdog Post Number: 124 Registered: 12-2002 |
I got hit with this Virus all day yesterday. My computer was down for 9 hours....Dell's tech line was busy all day and I finally got an e-mail out (with a 50 second warning that my computer was going to re-boot) and a reply (with another 50 second warning) and finally the patch. This Virus F-up'd my entire business day yesterday. IT'S REAL! | ||
| Mark Lambert (Mlambert890)
Junior Member Username: Mlambert890 Post Number: 107 Registered: 4-2002 |
Remember: 1) Worms are brought down onto your machine in a variety of ways: -downloading files from unsafe sources -launching questionable email attachments -running unknown documents with embedded macros -visiting unsafe websites and allowing code to run 2) Once a worm is on your machine, you need to remove it using a tool from your virus protection provider. 3) Worms (also known as Trojan Horses) are mallicious code designed to exploit weaknesses in an operating system. If the weakness the worm is exploiting is plugged on your system, it can't effect you, but may still attempt to effect others on the internet. That's why it is MANDATORY to have a HARDWARE firewall AND a software firewall. The hardware firewall will dramatically minimize your exposure to internet based attacks by blocking all incoming requests. The software firewall (like ZoneAlarm, et al) will be able to alert you when unknown programs on your computer are trying to communicate OUT to the internet (ie, trying to attack others). Switching operating systems is an extremely poor solution and is generally a scare tactic used by Mac and Linux zealots. No OS is flawless by design and immune to these weaknesses. With OSX, Apple basically admitted they can't really build and maintain a modern OS and just went with a UNIX flavor (OSX is BSD with a Mac GUI). Lots of Mac folks are now thinking that this proves the Mac is invunerable, but there has been a loooong history of UNIX weaknesses that they are in denial over. Plus, UNIX requires a LOT more knowledge to manage. As for Linux, there are currently more pending CERT advisories on Linux than on Windows (go search CERT.org and check for yourself) and it inherets most of the complexity of the UNIX system model that it apes. Windows is on 90% of the computers out there so it gets 100% of the attention of malcontents; plus, people have an irrational and near religious hatred of MS (especially anti-establishment jerkoff types). If everyone ran Linux or everyone was on the Mac, I can assure you those platforms would be getting hit by this same shitstorm continually. People that try to tell you that any one OS is just inherantly more secure than any other are pushing an agenda and better off ignored. Use what you feel most comfortable with, learn how to protect yourself, and stay on top of updates... | ||
| Ronald C. Steinhoff (Buylowsellnever)
Junior Member Username: Buylowsellnever Post Number: 75 Registered: 9-2002 |
Just want to say thanks to P. Thomas & Co. for bringing this to everyone's attention. I was working on a Publisher document and couldn't copy & paste. Without this thread I wouldn't have known I had the virus! | ||
| Faisal Khan (Tvrfreak)
Member Username: Tvrfreak Post Number: 795 Registered: 3-2003 |
Don't like Macs at all. Can't figure out how to get around easily...guess I am too used to the windows interface. When my Unix buddies use Windows machines, they seem to have less problems than I did when I tried to use Macs. | ||
| Barney Guzzo (Trinacria)
Member Username: Trinacria Post Number: 386 Registered: 8-2002 |
Switch to a Macintosh. Reduce the number of possible virus attcks by 99% (The other 1% come from running Microsoft software on the Mac). | ||
| Amir (Amir)
New member Username: Amir Post Number: 15 Registered: 2-2003 |
David, it was Faisal's advice, not mine. I am at his house these days--Dan went to Pakistan and took the keys to the 550 with him, and I couldn't stay away from nice cars... We're both glad it worked out for you! Cheers, Amir (and Faisal) | ||
| David P. Smith (Dave330gtc)
Junior Member Username: Dave330gtc Post Number: 150 Registered: 3-2002 |
Thanks, Tillman and Amir. I am back up and running. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 3336 Registered: 6-2001 |
So my router's firewall should keep me OK? | ||
| David P. Smith (Dave330gtc)
Junior Member Username: Dave330gtc Post Number: 149 Registered: 3-2002 |
Thanks, Amir. I will give it a shot. | ||
| Amir (Amir)
New member Username: Amir Post Number: 12 Registered: 2-2003 |
yes. shutdown is the command. /a is a switch, or modifier to the command. if you type shutdown/a with no spaces, the operating system thinks it's a path, not a command, as the / denotes a subdirectory. | ||
| David P. Smith (Dave330gtc)
Junior Member Username: Dave330gtc Post Number: 148 Registered: 3-2002 |
No, Amir I did not. Does it need the space? | ||
| Amir (Amir)
New member Username: Amir Post Number: 11 Registered: 2-2003 |
are you typing it with the space before the slash? ie. shutdown /a, not shutdown/a rgds, a | ||
| David P. Smith (Dave330gtc)
Junior Member Username: Dave330gtc Post Number: 147 Registered: 3-2002 |
Tillman, when I type shutdown/a in the run box my computer tells me it does not recognize that. Any thoughts? | ||
| Mike Procopio (Pupz308)
Member Username: Pupz308 Post Number: 485 Registered: 10-2002 |
Don't mean to spam. Here is an email I've sent out to coworkers with some useful links. My apologies if you've already been nagged about this, but there's a worm going about exploiting a vulnerability that exists in all windows computers. You're especially vulnerable if you do not have a "firewall," like that which comes with Windows XP or via a hardware DSL/Cable router. To learn about this worm, search on "worm" at Google news: <http://news.google.com/> Here's one article on CNN: <http://www.cnn.com/2003/tech/internet/08/12/windows.worm.reut/index.html> The security bulletin from Microsoft: <http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/bulletin/ms03-026.asp> Download link for the patch for Windows 2000: <http://microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=c8b8a846-f541-4c15-8c9f-220354449117&displaylang=en> Download link for the patch for Windows XP (Home and Professional, "32-bit" versions): <http://microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=2354406c-c5b6-44ac-9532-3de40f69c074&displaylang=en> Here is a URL to a Symantec web site that has a tool for removing the worm: <http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm.removal.tool.html> --Mike Procopio | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 556 Registered: 4-2003 |
David, it is a problem only if your wife is working online. The other option is for her to call the Microsoft Tech Support telephone #, (I do not have that number in front of me). She will still be able to boot up the computer and will have access to the desk top. As long as she does not log on she should be fine. They will walk her through it. As of yesterday, the wait time at the MS Tech line was 2 hours. It is a 800# so she can just put it on speaker phone and do something else. Once she is connected with a Tech it takes about 10 minutes to fix. Warning: Most of the PCs were rectified within the 10 minute period, others (nominal amount) lets just say were more problematic. I hope that yours is not the later. Best of luck | ||
| David Mcguire (Matkat)
Junior Member Username: Matkat Post Number: 56 Registered: 3-2003 |
No Pat unfortunately in my backwater area (n.e.Scotland)still have analogue lines my other prob is that I am in Switzerland and my wife is trying to fix it at home and she is even worse on computers than me. Thanks Dave | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Intermediate Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 1442 Registered: 8-2001 |
Comcast finally cleared up their system around here an hour and half ago. Been using the old backup computer on dial up. Slow but solid. | ||
| David Mcguire (Matkat)
Junior Member Username: Matkat Post Number: 55 Registered: 3-2003 |
Thanks Tillman | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 854 Registered: 2-2002 |
If you want to e-mail me I can send you the tool through e-mail and if you tell me what OS you are running I can send you the patch also. Do you have a fast internet connection? if so this shouldn't be a problem | ||
| Tillman Strahan (Tillman)
Member Username: Tillman Post Number: 864 Registered: 11-2001 |
When you get the message, hit start->run and type shutdown /a. That will abort the shutdown. Repeat as necessary | ||
| David Mcguire (Matkat)
Junior Member Username: Matkat Post Number: 54 Registered: 3-2003 |
Thanks Pat but unfortnately the machine cuts of about 90 secs after you try to go on line so that option will not work any other suggestion would be welcome Thanks | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 853 Registered: 2-2002 |
go to www.symantec.com and click on the w32.blaster.worm link and it will lead you to the removal tool and it will also point you to the patch on Microsoft's website. Pat | ||
| David Mcguire (Matkat)
Junior Member Username: Matkat Post Number: 52 Registered: 3-2003 |
Gentlemen I need some help on this topic,my home pc has been infected it keeps shutting down after the approx 90 secs,how can i fix it from this state Thanks Dave Mcguire | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 850 Registered: 2-2002 |
There are tools out there now to clean your system of this worm if you are infected and Microsoft has patches out there for Win2000 & XP. Let me know if anyone needs these I can e-mail them to you. Pat | ||
| G. Green (Mr_green)
New member Username: Mr_green Post Number: 10 Registered: 8-2003 |
I have zone alarm, will that protect me. | ||
| adrian low (Audionut)
Member Username: Audionut Post Number: 338 Registered: 4-2003 |
Thanks! Downloaded the patch just in case. Does not want to launch with my Windows ME at home though. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 555 Registered: 4-2003 |
This is really serious stuff. Symantec raised it from a Category 3 to a category 4.The vulnerability in Windows XP was discovered back in July and a patch was released. The W32blaster.Worm was discovered yesterday. Here is some really good info w32blasterworm.html | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member Username: Balataboy Post Number: 487 Registered: 4-2001 |
The alert is very much appreciated here. Thanks! Doody,...perhaps OT, but really, is it that big a deal? | ||
| Manu (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 804 Registered: 2-2002 |
P.Thomas - thanks mate.... The windows thing appears to have done the trick. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1567 Registered: 11-2001 |
OFF F'ING TOPIC, FOLKS. doody. | ||
| Ricky Nardis (Rickyn_f355)
Member Username: Rickyn_f355 Post Number: 435 Registered: 8-2002 |
thnx guys | ||
| Wolfgang Eistert (53345)
Member Username: 53345 Post Number: 521 Registered: 3-2003 |
I smashed my f*** worm with: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm.removal.tool.html | ||
| Michael Zaic (Mikez_nj)
Junior Member Username: Mikez_nj Post Number: 55 Registered: 12-2002 |
This should fix it. http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm.removal.tool.html After the fix, do a windows update, and make sure you get the patch numbered 823980. | ||
| Ricky Nardis (Rickyn_f355)
Member Username: Rickyn_f355 Post Number: 434 Registered: 8-2002 |
ok, i have already been hit...what is the best way to clean it and will it take 3 hours? | ||
| Wolfgang Eistert (53345)
Member Username: 53345 Post Number: 520 Registered: 3-2003 |
Yes Ricky, cause Norton doesn`t works/no patch till now. The only way to repair (for me) was the patch from symantec.com. Just look for the W32Blaster Worm repair patch. | ||
| Michael Zaic (Mikez_nj)
Junior Member Username: Mikez_nj Post Number: 54 Registered: 12-2002 |
It exploits a flaw in Windows, so if your computer is up to date, it won't hit you. It won't fix things if you've already got hit, though. | ||
| Ricky Nardis (Rickyn_f355)
Member Username: Rickyn_f355 Post Number: 433 Registered: 8-2002 |
so u can clean the virus with the patch, without using norton anti-virus? | ||
| Michael Zaic (Mikez_nj)
Junior Member Username: Mikez_nj Post Number: 52 Registered: 12-2002 |
We just finished pathching up client computers yesterday for this. Looks like we did it just in time. | ||
| Wolfgang Eistert (53345)
Member Username: 53345 Post Number: 519 Registered: 3-2003 |
I too was hit by the worm here in Germany. Took me 3 hours to repair the worm called: W.32 Blaster Worm. Found it at: C:/Windows/System32/TFTP1144 Repaired by a file/exe from symantec.com Wow, was a preety hard job and it realy sucks to loose so much time with the repair....try to downlad a repair file when your computer gets down every 2 minutes?!? | ||
| 911 Fan (911fan)
New member Username: 911fan Post Number: 19 Registered: 5-2003 |
Hubert, you said "I also [hope] that the creator of this worm gets castrated in the most slow and painful way!" Just remember that the author could just as easily have had the worm erase everything on your hard drive if he so wished. Yes, it's annoying, but he has pointed out a security hole in a relatively harmless way and has more or less forced it to be patched on tens of thousands of computers. Be thankful there will be one less means of entry for a truly malicious attacker! If this guy had just come out and warned the public about this risk, I doubt many of us would have heeded his warning (I know I probably wouldn't have). After all, Microsoft has had the patch available for some time now on its website. I'm in the process of downloading all of the security patches right now because of this. In a perverse way, he may have done us all a favor... | ||
| Ken A (Zff)
Junior Member Username: Zff Post Number: 128 Registered: 12-2002 |
I would very strongly recommend a hardware firewall for anyone with a DSL or Cable modem. You can get pretty good ones for less than $75. Personally, I like the Linksys ones... cheap, reliable, works great. At the minimum, look for a Linksys BEFSX41. If you're a business, you'd be insane to hang your PCs off your Internet router unprotected. I'm constantly suprised by how many people do this. | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 1581 Registered: 5-2001 |
Thanks Paul, I see I have the update already. But how can any of you NOT have a firewall if you are on a high speed connection? Seems very risky not to have either a hardware or software firewall installed....anti-virus software is all well and good, but treats the symptons after the virus has arrived....firewall blocks it from getting to you. | ||
| Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
Junior Member Username: Bumboola Post Number: 155 Registered: 3-2003 |
If your Windows XP automatically updates itself you should have the patch. View your installation history and look for a security update for Windows XP (823980). Mine was installed on July 20. | ||
| Roberto C. (Cuore_rosso)
New member Username: Cuore_rosso Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2003 |
Probably the best defense to this and other attacks is - don't run Windows! | ||
| Hubert Leung (Lotga)
New member Username: Lotga Post Number: 11 Registered: 6-2003 |
I too was hit by the worm. I tried reformating and reinstalling Windows 2000 and the worm still exists *ARGH!!* Right now I've got ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp) blocking off port 135, which is supposedly where the worm communicates with the attacker. Hopefully tomorrow the security labs will come up with a cure. I also that the creator of this worm gets castrated in the most slow and painful way! EVERYONE, remember to backup your files! | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 1579 Registered: 5-2001 |
Funny to hear about this now. I was at a "block watch" party last Tuesday, and my neighbor who is a computer guy mentioned what a nightmare this worm/virus was, and that I should go to the microsoft website and update my computer. When I told him I have Zone Alarm firewall, he said I really don't have to worry then. I will do the update anyway. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 554 Registered: 4-2003 |
Mike, I have all of that and still got the worm. It is going to be nasty. | ||
| Mike Procopio (Pupz308)
Member Username: Pupz308 Post Number: 484 Registered: 10-2002 |
The situation is still very much developing. Monday saw the beginning of what will inevitably be exponential spread of the worm. If you go on google news and search "worm," every hour or so you'll see a bunch of new stories pop up. Just for the record, I have seen this cause bizarre behavior on Windows XP machines (rebooting, inability to copy/paste) as well as Win2K machines. Most folks who have a hardware firewall (real: DSL or cable router), or a software firewall (like that which comes with Windows XP and is often enabled) should be OK. Otherwise... You're vulnerable. Get the patch ASAP regardless. | ||
| DaveE (Banzaiboxr)
Junior Member Username: Banzaiboxr Post Number: 187 Registered: 8-2002 |
Thanks guys. Way to go helping other Ferrarichat members. I just used the link and now feel better. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 553 Registered: 4-2003 |
There sales may have been slow but their phones were humming! Both SBC/Yahoo and Microsoft have a 2 minute description of the problem on their main voice mail greeting | ||
| Mister Jones (Davey_jones)
Junior Member Username: Davey_jones Post Number: 93 Registered: 9-2002 |
That might explain why internet sales were slow today.. | ||
| Faisal Khan (Tvrfreak)
Member Username: Tvrfreak Post Number: 780 Registered: 3-2003 |
Mark, if you have a firewall, you should be ok as long as you are running in a fairly secure mode i.e. your ports are blocked by default. And you have network address translation enabled. Sorry if the above sounds like Martian. If it's too late and you have the problem already, I would keep rebooting and shutting down ports. I also had good luck by rebooting in safe mode with the network cable disconnected and in safe mode with no network. At some point, you do have to enable the networking, though, and try to install any of the patches out there. If you don't have a cable modem or decent dsl speeds, it is now time to upgrade, then install the cleaners and anti-virus software. Hope this helps. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 552 Registered: 4-2003 |
The Tech I spoke to said as of 8:00 PM PST they still a lot that they did not know about it. They do know that it is mainly a Windows XP problem. His only suggestion was to wait a day or so, and continually update my Norton anti-virus. He also said from 12:00 PM on they were learning more and more by the hour. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 551 Registered: 4-2003 |
Just spoke to my Systems Analyst friend at Nortel Networks. They shut everyone (locally) down at 1:00 PM. As I was trying to figure out what happened, I called Fry's, Best Buy, etc. They were just learning that a lot of people were hit today. They offered to fix it for $49.95. LOL! | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 643 Registered: 10-2001 |
I still have Win98 and MS is no help. Can some one tell me what to do if you have older Windows? Microsoft tested Windows Me, Windows NT 4.0, Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Services Edition, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 (Previous versions are no longer supported, and may or may not be affected by this vulnerability.) | ||
| John Christopher (Johncj8989)
New member Username: Johncj8989 Post Number: 9 Registered: 7-2003 |
It happened to me today!! Took me 3 hrs to figure it out and I lost valuable time at the office. Not a good day. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 550 Registered: 4-2003 |
It is Windows XP that is mainly affected. Here is the patch: It was released July 28, 2003. The tech said he had 500 people on hold at 4:00 PM PST today. microsoft patch | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Intermediate Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 1689 Registered: 12-2002 |
Oh thanks guys! I just wanted to make sure it wasnt one of those many virus warning hoaxes. About the MS patch though, my Windows XP automatically updates itself, so would that patch have been included in oen of my automatic updates? | ||
| John G (Heat_seeker_ws6)
New member Username: Heat_seeker_ws6 Post Number: 36 Registered: 12-2002 |
It is for real, both of my PC's just got it and reboot every minute or so. This is veerry annoying. | ||
| Tillman Strahan (Tillman)
Member Username: Tillman Post Number: 860 Registered: 11-2001 |
See http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm.html for a description of the worm. See http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-026.asp for patch info. Note that the patch was released almost a month ago. | ||
| Ron (Easy_rider)
Member Username: Easy_rider Post Number: 660 Registered: 12-2002 |
Here is what Trend Micro has to say about this virus Virus type: Worm Destructive: No Aliases: W32/Lovsan.worm, Lovsan, W32.Blaster.Worm Pattern file needed: 604 Scan engine needed: 5.600 Overall risk rating: Medium -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reported infections: Medium Damage Potential: High Distribution Potential: High -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Description: TrendLabs has received several infection reports of this new worm, which exploits the RPC DCOM BUFFER OVERFLOW. This vulnerability in the Windows Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) Remote Procedure Call (RPC) interface allows an attacker to gain full access and execute any code on a target machine, leaving it compromised. This worm has been observed to continuously scan random ip addresses (x.x.x.0) and send data to vulnerable systems on the network using port 135. On the following system dates, it performs a Distributed Denial Of Service attack against windowsupdate.com: On the 16th to the 31st day of the following months: January February March April May June July August Any day in the months of September to December. This worm runs on and is able to propagate into Windows NT, 2000, and XP systems. For more information on the RPC DCOM Buffer Overflow, please visit the following Microsoft page: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-026 Solution: AUTOMATIC REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS To automatically remove this malware from your system, please use the Trend Micro System Cleaner. MANUAL REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS Terminating the Malware Program This procedure terminates the running malware process from memory. Open Windows Task Manager press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC, and click the Processes tab. In the list of running programs*, locate the process: MSBLAST.EXE Select the malware process, then press either the the End Process button. To check if the malware process has been terminated, close Task Manager, and then open it again. Close Task Manager. Removing Autostart Entries from the Registry Removing autostart entries from the registry prevents the malware from executing during startup. Open Registry Editor. To do this, click Start>Run, type Regedit, then press Enter. In the left panel, double-click the following: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>Software>Microsoft> Windows>CurrentVersion>Run In the right panel, locate and delete the entry: �windows auto update" = MSBLAST.EXE Close Registry Editor. NOTE: If you were not able to terminate the malware process from memory as described in the previous procedure, restart your system. Additional Windows ME/XP Cleaning Instructions Running Trend Micro Antivirus Scan your system with Trend Micro antivirus and delete all files detected as WORM_MSBLAST.A. To do this, Trend Micro customers must download the latest pattern file and scan their system. Other Internet users can use HouseCall, Trend Micro�s free online virus scanner. Applying Patches TrendLabs advises all affected users to apply the patch issued by Microsoft at the following page: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-026 TrendLabs also asks users to filter access to port 135 and allow trusted and internal sites only. Trend Micro offers best-of-breed antivirus and content-security solutions for your corporate network or home PC. For additional information about this threat, see Technical Details Here is a link to their page http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/virusencyclo/default5.asp?VName=WORM_MSBLAST.A | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Intermediate Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 1688 Registered: 12-2002 |
Where is this patch on the microsoft website? I just checked and didnt see any mention of it... | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 549 Registered: 4-2003 |
It is FOR REAL! I would not mess with you. | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Intermediate Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 1687 Registered: 12-2002 |
Is this true or is this a hoax? I dont see how a virus can be spread by just being online? | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 548 Registered: 4-2003 |
A word of caution to everyone. I just spent 2.50 hours on hold waiting for the Microsoft Tech Support Line. A virus was released on the internet and has affected 10s of thousands of people. Most viruses are transmitted through e-mail. This virus is spread just by being online! Surf at your own risk, however the the microsoft web site already has information and a patch available if your computer is hit. The symtom is an error message which reads:"Remote Procedure Call", NT Authority\System. It will cause your computer to reboot every 90 seconds or so, ONLY when you are online. if you are off line and you have the virus it does not seem to affect anything. Beware! Here is the patch to fix it: MS Patch 1) Scroll down to "Resolution". Under " For More Information about how to resolve this vulnerability", Click on one of the following. -Windows Server 2003 (all versions) -Windows XP (all versions) -Windows 2000 9all versions) -Windows NT 4.0 (all versions) 2) After successfully receiving my patch, the Tech had me right click on my Norton Anti-virus icon located down by my clock and disable my anti-virus. (On subsequent starts my anti-virus is turned back on of course). I then rebooted and until now, everything is fine. |